Tasks and activities

COMPREHENSIVE
NATIONAL DEFENCE

For
decades, in order to safeguard the country’s independence and the livelihood of
its citizens, Finland has practiced the operating model of comprehensive
national defence. In an ever-changing security environment, the model has
proven to be a natural choice for our country and its operating culture. The
implementation of the concept of comprehensive security (Government decision on
comprehensive security 5 December 2012) does not entail changes to the
foundations of preparedness arrangements, nor to the Ministry of Defence’s task
of coordinating comprehensive national defence.

The
preparedness of Finnish society is executed with the principle of comprehensive
security, which entails the safeguarding of vital functions of society in a
joint effort of the authorities, the business sector and organisations and
citizens.

The
Security Committee assists the Government and the ministries in matters
pertaining to comprehensive security. The committee has a secretariat at the
Defence Ministry with expert representation from different administrative
branches and security operators.